While passport photos generally follow similar standards worldwide, visa photos vary significantly by country. The US requires a square format, Canada uses a large 5×7cm size, and the UK and France demand a light gray background instead of white. This difference is the most common reason passport photos are rejected when submitted for a visa.
This article compiles the visa photo specifications for major countries frequently applied for by Koreans, based on official regulations.
Visa Photo Specifications for 11 Major Countries at a Glance
| Country | Size | Background | Head Length | Reference Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 5.1 × 5.1cm (600×600px) | White | 2.2–3.5cm | 22 CFR 51 |
| China | 3.3 × 4.8cm (390×567px) | White | 2.8–3.3cm | GA 461 |
| Japan | 4.5 × 4.5cm (531×531px) | White | 3.2–3.6cm | MOJ |
| Schengen (Europe Common) | 3.5 × 4.5cm (413×531px) | White | 3.2–3.6cm | ICAO 9303 |
| UK | 3.5 × 4.5cm | Light Gray | 2.9–3.4cm | UKVI |
| France | 3.5 × 4.5cm | Light Gray | 3.2–3.6cm | EU Reg. 2252/2004 |
| Canada | 5 × 7cm | White | 3.1–3.6cm | PPTC-203 |
| Australia | 3.5 × 4.5cm | White | 3.2–3.6cm | ICAO |
| Thailand | 3.5 × 4.5cm | White | — | ICAO 9303 |
| Vietnam | 4 × 6cm | White | — | ICAO 9303 |
| Philippines | 3.5 × 4.5cm | White | 3.2–3.6cm | ICAO 9303 |
Even if the size is the same 3.5×4.5cm, different background colors and head length standards mean different specifications. Always check the detailed country-specific requirements before submission.
Key Points to Note by Country
US — Square Format, Digital Submission is Standard
US visas (DS-160) require a 5.1×5.1cm square format and a digital file of 600×600 pixels. The aspect ratio is different from Korean passport photos (3.5×4.5cm), so existing photos cannot be simply cropped. Wearing glasses is not permitted.
China — Ears Must Be Visible
Chinese visas have a unique size of 3.3×4.8cm, and hair must be arranged so that both ears are visible. The head length standard (2.8–3.3cm) is also smaller than other countries, so simply reducing a passport photo is likely to result in rejection.
UK & France — White Background Can Lead to Rejection
The UK (UKVI) and France require a light gray background. Most identification photos taken in Korea have a white background, so for these two countries, it's often necessary to prepare a photo with the correct background from scratch.
Canada — Largest Size
Canada requires the largest size among major countries, at 5×7cm. This differs from standard identification photo print sizes, so it's crucial to maintain the correct specifications right through to the printing stage when preparing it yourself.
Common Requirements (ICAO Standards)
Most countries' visa photos are based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO 9303) standards.
- Photo taken within the last 6 months
- Direct gaze, natural neutral expression, mouth closed
- Plain background, no shadows
- No hats or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
- No glare on glasses lenses (glasses themselves are not permitted for the US)
How to Prepare Visa Photos Without a Photo Studio
There's no need to memorize country-specific specifications. MONKOS's Country-Specific ID Photo Specification Dictionary compiles official specifications for various countries, including visas. By selecting the desired specifications, you can create a compliant photo from a single selfie.
- Automatic application of country-specific pixel specifications such as US 600×600px, China 390×567px
- Conversion to required background colors like white or light gray
- Download after verifying specifications such as head length and eye position
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